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SEC’s 10 picks dominate December 2011

FWAA All-America team Vol. 49, No. 5

DALLAS — The 68th Football Writ- teams, placed two players on the offen- Inside this issue: ers Association of America All-America sive side of the ball and another on Team is dominated by standouts from special teams. the , which There were five FWAA All-America placed 10 players on the squad. That is repeat selections, including two receiv- President’s column 2 twice as many as the next highest num- ers, Oklahoma State's ber from any league, and Oklahoma's Ryan five from the offense- Broyles. Alabama de- oriented Big 12 Confer- fensive back Mark Bar- Oklahoma State’s ence. ron and named The FWAA All- Luke Kuech- 3 Eddie Robinson Coach America Team, the se- ly also earned All- of the Year cond longest continu- 2011 All-America Team America honors for the ously published team, second straight season. has been a staple of Complete Team, Pages 4-5 Kicker scene from Oklahoma State since 1944. The FWAA has only select- made the team last season as a punter. FWAA All-America 4-5 ed a first-team All-America squad in Overall, eight of the 11 Division I Team each season since 1950. Bowl Subdivision Conferences were Of the 10 SEC players, seven were represented on the team. The Big Ten on defense, where LSU and Alabama, had four players and the ACC two. considered the nation's two top defen- Conference USA, the Mountain West, sive teams, had three each. Georgia the Pac-12 and the WAC were each Alabama’s Barrett had the other. Alabama also placed two represented by one player. Jones wins Outland 6 offensive players on the team, running The FWAA All-American Team, the Trophy back and finalist Trent second longest continuously published Richardson and - team in college football, has been a winning . staple of the college football scene Eleven of the 25 players selected to since 1944. First selected three years the team by the All-America committee after the organization was formed, the come from the nation's top three teams. FWAA’s inaugural team included Boston College’s Luke No. 2 Alabama led all teams with five Army’s Heisman Trophy tandem of Doc Kuechly wins Bronko 7 FWAA All-Americans, followed by three Blanchard and and Geor- Nagurski Trophy each from No. 1 LSU and No. 3 Okla- gia Tech’s Frank Broyles, who later homa State. The Cowboys, one of col- became Arkansas’ head football coach lege football's most potent scoring and athletic director. Page 2 THE FIFTH DOWN

President Tommy Hicks Mobile Press-Register

First Vice President President’s column Lenn Robbins For it or agin' it, will appear in the room first, with the win- New York Post The Rematch is ning team (, two players) to set. The BCS na- follow. On-field interviews with members Second Vice President tional champion- of the winning team will be allowed as Chris Dufrense ship game will fea- long as they do not interfere with the tro- Los Angeles Times ture unbeaten LSU phy presentation.

Board of Directors against once- ● Considering deadline issues, the Kirk Bohls beaten Alabama postgame interviews will be available via a Austin American- (LSU responsible live video feed in the main press box. The Statesman for the lone Ala- ASAP quote service will also provide com- Buddy Davis bama loss). It is a plete quotes from both teams. Quotes will Ruston Daily Leader rerun surrounded also be available at Cory Giger by great anticipa- www.allstatesugarbowl.org/quotes. Altoona Mirror TOMMY tion. It's also a ● The pregame meal will be served in Kate Hairopoulos HICKS scalpers' dream — the West Bunker Suite from 3:30-7:30 The Morning News a title game featur- p.m. Meals will not be served in the press Wally Hall ing teams with two box and only small snacks will be made Arkansas Democrat- of the most fiercely loyal (and ticket- available in the main press box. Gazette buying) fan bases. It will be crazy in New ● Media with proper credentials will be Mike Huguenin Orleans. allowed in designated areas on the field rivals.com Hopefully, though, not for FWAA mem- during the game's final five minutes of Tom Kensler bers and others who will be covering the play. Denver Post game. John Sudsbury, media relations Other media information: Iliana Limon director for the Allstate Sugar Bowl, and ● Credential pick-up will be in the Fleur Orlando Sentinel his staff have put together a plan for cov- De Lis Room of the designated media ho- Kelly Lyell erage of the game, both on game day Jan. tel, which is the New Orleans Marriott at Fort Collins Coloradoan 9 and the days leading up to the rematch. the Convention Center. Credential pick-up Brett McMurphy In a recent visit to New Orleans, Sudsbury will be Jan. 4 from noon until 6 p.m., Jan. cbssports.com provided a quick run-through of the media 5-8 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and game day Jorge Milian plans for the event. from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Credentials may Palm Beach Post In an effort to prepare everyone for the be picked up at the Superdome's media Malcolm Moran game, here's a brief list of some important will call at the Gate A entrance from 4 p.m. Knight Foundation things to remember: until halftime. Randy Peterson ● Dress warmly. The press box is lo- ● Those planning on covering both the Des Moines Register cated on the top level of the Superdome, Sugar Bowl and the BCS national title Randy Rosetta which is in the path of the air conditioning game must apply for credentials separate- Baton Rouge Daily vents. Jackets are suggested. ly. Because there are two games, creden- Advocate ● For best Internet access, please tials for the BCS game will not be availa- Zach Silka bring your own Ethernet cables. Some ble until Jan. 4. Toledo Blade cables will be available, but media mem- ● Press conferences will take place at Andy Staples bers are encouraged to bring their own if the Blaine Kern ballrooms at the media si.com possible. hotel. A media workroom will be available Phil Steele ● Media can reach the press box by in the same rooms used for the press con- Phil Steele Publications using Elevators 7 and 8. Both will be des- ferences. Complimentary wireless access Jake Trotter ignated for media use for the game. will be available. The workroom will be .com ● Media may use the designated seat open from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. each day. Ex-Officio in the press box or work in the northwest ● The designated media hospitality Charles Bloom warehouse area on field level that will be room is located in the Riverbend Room of Southeastern Conference supplied with tables, chairs, power outlets the media hotel. Media meals will also be John Paquette and Internet access. available. Check the schedule upon arri- Big East Conference ● Postgame interviews will take place val. Joe Hornstein in the warehouse area interview room. Those who have further questions Central Florida The losing team (head coach, two players) (Continued on page 8) THE FIFTH DOWN Page 3 Oklahoma State’s Gundy named Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year

Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy has been named the winner of the 2011 Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award. The award, presented by the , is selected by the members of the 1,200-member strong Football Writers Asso- ciation of America. Gundy, a finalist for the award a year ago, is the first Oklahoma State coach to win the FWAA's coach of the year award and was selected in an association-wide vote from five finalists, including Michigan's Brady Hoke, LSU's , Kansas State's and Clemson's . Gundy is the third coach from the to win the award in the last 12 years. Gundy received the award on Jan. 8 in New Orleans in an event host- Mike Gundy ed by ESPN's and attend- ed by officials from the Fiesta Bowl, the FWAA and the Eddie Robinson Museum. A statue of legendary Coach Eddie Robinson “What an honor to be recognized with the Ed- greets visitors when they tour his museum in die Robinson Coach of the Year Award,” Gundy Grambling, La. Photo courtesy of Louisiana Secretary of said. “We’ve had a tremendous year at Oklahoma State. State, winning the Big 12 and earning our first- ever trip to a BCS bowl. It’s a testament to our Executive Director. “The Tostitos Fiesta Bowl is players and our coaching staff that we are in the thrilled to match the Cowboys against the Stan- position that we are in. I want to thank the Foot- ford Cardinal in the highest-rated non- ball Writers Association of America for recogniz- championship BCS bowl this year.” ing our team in this way.” The Cowboys are one of the most explosive Gundy led the Cowboys to their first outright teams in college football this year, ranking se- conference title since 1948, when the school was cond in the country in points per game (49.3), a member of the Missouri Valley Conference. The second in the country in passing offense (386.2 Cowboys (11-1) won their first 10 games before yards) and third in the country in total offense they suffered an upset loss in overtime at Iowa (557.0 yards). State. But they rebounded with a decisive 44-10 “Coach Gundy is a very worthy winner of the season-ending victory over arch-rival Oklahoma Eddie Robinson Award this season,” said Tommy to win the undisputed Big 12 title and earn the Hicks, 2011 FWAA president. “The Cowboys were school’s first berth in a BCS bowl game. one of college football’s most exciting offensive “Mike Gundy has earned this honor by inspir- teams and came within an overtime loss of mak- ing excellence in his players. He led Oklahoma ing the national title game. Oklahoma State has State to an 11-1 record in one of the nation’s risen to national prominence under Coach Gun- toughest conferences, and he did it with an en- dy.” tertaining style of play that captured the nation’s Gundy, 44, become Oklahoma State's head attention,” said Robert Shelton, the Fiesta Bowl (Continued on page 8) Page 4 The Fifth Down

FWAA ALL-AMERICA OFFENSE

Pos. Player, School Ht., Wt. Cl. QB Robert Griffrin III.Baylor 6-2, 220 Jr. RB , Alabama 5-11 224 Jr. RB Monte Ball, Wisconsin 5-11, 214 Jr. TE , Clemson 6-4, 255 Jr. WR ,Oklahoma 5-11, 187 Sr. WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma St. 6-1, 211 Jr. OL Barrett Jones, Alabama 6-5, 311 Jr. OL , Michigan 6-2, 288 Sr. C David DeCastro, Stanford 6-5, 312 Jr. OL , Oklahoma St. 6-6, 322 Sr. OL , Boise St. 6-6, 300 Sr.

Griffin Richardson Ball Blackmon Broyles Baylor Alabama Wisconsin Oklahoma St Oklahoma

Allen Jones Molk DeCastro Adcock Potter Clemson Alabama Michigan Stanford Oklahoma St. Boise St. The Fifth Down Page 5

ALL-AMERICA DEFENSE, SPECIALISTS

Pos. Player, School Ht., Wt. Cl. DL , Penn State 6-5,305 Sr. DL , 6-4, 265 Jr. DL Vinny Curry, Marshall 6-4, 263 Sr. DL Sam Montgomery, LSU 6-4, 245 So. LB , Georgia 6-2, 234 So.

LB , Boston College 6-3, 237 Jr. Still LB , Alabama 6-2, 265 Sr. Penn St. DB , LSU 6-0, 170 Jr. DB , Alabama 6-2, 218 Sr. DB , LSU 5-9, 180 So. DB , Alabama 6-3, 192 Jr. K Quinn Sharp, Oklahoma State 6-1, 189 Jr. P Bobby Cowan, Idaho 6-5, 229 Jr. R Joe Adams, Arkansas 5-11, 190 Sr. Mercilus Illinois

Curry Montgomery Kuechly Jones Upshaw Claiborne Marshall LSU Boston College Georgia Alabama LSU

Barron Mathieu Kirkpatrick Cowan Sharp Adams Alabama LSU Alabama Idaho Oklahoma St. Arkansas Page 6 THE FIFTH DOWN ’Bama’s Jones wins Outland Trophy

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Alabama offensive tackle Barrett Jones has been named the 66th winner of the Outland Trophy, becoming the third Crimson Tide player to win the award and second in the last four sea- sons. The winner of the Outland Trophy, which goes to the best interior lineman in college football, was announced on ESPN during "The Home Depot College Football Awards" from the Walt Disney World Resort. The FWAA selects the Outland Trophy winner from interior linemen on its 25-man All-America team. Jones claimed the trophy over Penn State senior Devon Still and Stanford junior offensive guard David DeCastro. Jones, a 6-5, 311-pound junior from Memphis, Tenn., follows previous Outland Trophy winners from Alabama, offensive tackles (1999) and Andre Smith (2008). In 2011, Jones was one of the most versatile and productive linemen in the game. He has started 10 games at left tackle, but has also played right tackle, center and left guard. The only interior offensive line po- sition he did not play in 2011 for the Crimson was right guard. Before this season, he had started 25 games at the position during the 2009 and 2010 seasons. "It was kind of fun, it was definitely a challenge," Jones said. "I watched a lot of film. Playing all those po- sitions gave me a greater understanding of the schemes Alabama offensive tackle Barrett Jones and concepts of the entire offensive line. It helped me understand the big picture better." “… Trent is so strong, probably the strongest guy I've Jones spearheads the blocking effort for Heisman ever seen in the weight room. And he's so fast. I owe a Trophy finalist Trent Richardson, who led lot to No. 3. He makes me look good on a regular basis." the Southeastern Conference with 1,583 yards rushing In 2011, Jones allowed just three sacks all season at and 23 total . During his career, Jones has left tackle, despite routinely facing the opposing team's blocked for 25 individual 100-yard rushing performances, top pass rusher. Jones has faced seven of the nation's including nine this season. top 51 defenses and has graded out at 87 percent, in- "(Richardson) is an unbelievable player," Jones said. (Continued on page 8)

PAST OUTLAND WINNERS

1946 George Connor, Notre Dame 1963 , Texas 1980 Mark May, Pittsburgh 1997 Aaron Taylor, Nebraska 1947 , Army 1964 Steve Delong, Tennessee 1981 , Nebraska 1998 , UCLA 1948 Bill Fischer, Notre Dame 1965 , Texas 1982 Dave Rimington, Nebraska 1999 Chris Samuels, Alabama 1949 , Michigan State 1966 , Arkansas 1983 , Nebraska 2000 John Henderson, Tennessee 1950 , Kentucky 1967 , USC 1984 , Virginia Tech 2001 Bryant McKinnie, Miami 1951 , Oklahoma 1968 , Georgia 1985 , Boston College 2002 , Washington State 1952 , Maryland 1969 Mike Reid, Penn State 1986 , BYU 2003 , Iowa 1953 J.D. Roberts, Oklahoma 1970 , State 1987 , Air Force 2004 , Oklahoma 1954 Bill Brooks, Arkansas 1971 , Nebraska 1988 , Auburn 2005 , Minnesota 1955 Calvin Jones, Iowa 1972 , Nebraska 1989 , BYU 2006 Joe Williams,Wisconsin 1956 Jim Parker, Ohio State 1973 John Hicks, Ohio State 1990 , Miami (Fla.) 2007 , LSU 1957 , Iowa 1974 Randy White, Maryland 1991 , Washington 2008 Andre Smith, Alabama 1958 , Auburn 1975 , Oklahoma 1992 , Nebraska 2009 , Nebraska 1959 Mike McGee, Duke 1976 , Notre Dame 1993 , Arizona 2010 , Wisconsin 1960 , Minnesota 1977 , Texas 1994 , Nebraska 1961 , Utah State 1978 Greg Roberts, Oklahoma 1995 , UCLA 1962 , Minnesota 1979 , N.C. State 1996 , Ohio State Page 7 THE FIFTH DOWN Trophy awarded to Boston College’s Luke Kuechly CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Boston College linebacker “He is a great player with an indomitable spirit,” said Luke Kuechly, the Atlantic Coast Conference's all-time Miami coach Al Golden. “He has a physical, mental and leading tackler, has claimed the 2011 Bronko Nagurski competitive toughness that is off the charts. His durabil- Trophy, which is awarded annually to the best defensive ity, lateral quickness and mobility are off the charts. He player in college football. is just a really good player. ... He is the type of player Kuechly, a junior from , Ohio, became the that you want to coach or develop. He is a fierce com- 19th winner of the national defensive player of the year petitor.” award, as voted on by the membership of the Football The 6-3, 235-pounder made 12 tackles for 28 yards Writers Association of America. He re- ceived the Bronko PAST NAGURSKI Nagurski Trophy on Dec. 12 at a gala WINNERS banquet sponsored Year Player School by the Charlotte 1993 Rob Waldrop Arizona Club at 1994 Miami (Fla.) the Westin Hotel. The four other 1995 Northwestern 2011 Nagurski Tro- 1996 Pat Fitzgerald Northwestern phy finalists were 1997 Michigan Alabama safety Mark 1998 Georgia Barron, LSU corner- 1999 Virginia Tech back Morris Claiborne, Illinois end 2000 Miami Whitney Mercilus and 2001 Oklahoma Penn State tackle 2002 Arizona State Devon Still. 2003 Oklahoma “It’s a great honor 2004 Texas to be mentioned in this category,” 2005 Louisville Kuechly said upon 2006 Ohio State winning the award. 2007 Glenn Dorsey LSU “They picked five 2008 Texas great candidates. 2009 Ndamukong Suh Nebraska Bronko Nagurski winner Luke Kuechly of Bos- Any one of us would 2010 Da’Quan Bowers Clemson ton College. (Photo courtesy of Ron J.Deshaies/Treasured Events of have been a great Charlotte choice. It is something special to win this award. I am going to take it and run. It will mean something special in losses this season and also broke up three passes down the road.” and had three hurries. His career-high 23 Kuechly led the Football Bowl Subdivision in total tackles against Duke tied for the second-highest single- tackles for a second straight season with 191 (102 unas- game total in the FBS, and his 20 tackles vs. Florida sisted), a whopping 15.9 per game. On leading the coun- State tied for the eighth-highest. try in tackles, Kuechly said, "I think it is preparation. That was presented with the Bronko Na- is one of the big things we do at Boston College. When gurski Legends Award sponsored by Florida East Coast they (opposing offenses) are out there, we know what Railway. Youngblood, a standout end at the University of they are going to do. It is like practice to us." Florida, was a member of the 1970 FWAA All-America Although Boston College posted only a 4-8 record, team and later played 14 seasons in the National Foot- Kuechly was all over the field making plays. He had ball League. Each year the FWAA and the Charlotte three for 71 yards in returns, including a 45 Touchdown Club honor one of the defensive legends -yarder for a touchdown in the final game of the season, from a past FWAA All-America team, a tradition which a 24-17 victory at Miami. began with the 1966 team. Page 8 THE FIFTH DOWN Coach of the year (continued)

(Continued from page 3) another outstanding coach,” said Eddie Robinson football coach in 2005, when he succeeded Les Jr., the late coach’s son. “Over the years, the Ed- Miles. He has a 58-30 overall record in seven die Robinson Coach of the Year Award has gone seasons. The third-ranked Cowboys are in their to the ‘Who’s Who’ of the coaching profession. My sixth straight bowl game under Gundy — the father would be very proud to welcome coach longest postseason streak in school history. Mike Gundy into that fraternity of coaches.” Gundy played quarterback at Oklahoma State The FWAA has honored a major-college coach from 1986 to 1989 and has been a part of four of of the year since 1957. In 1997, the award was the school’s five 10-victory seasons as either a named after Eddie Robinson, the coaching legend player or coach. at Grambling State University and second win- “The Robinson Family is very pleased to honor ningest coach in Division I history (408 victories). Outland Trophy (continued)

(Continued from page 6) Bobby Bell will receive an Outland Trophy. He won the cluding 100 percent in four games. He has registered 20 award in 1962, before the FWAA handed out trophies. "pancake" blocks this season. Three days before the Outland Trophy banquet, The Outland Trophy, which has been awarded annu- Jones and his Crimson Tide will meet LSU in the Allstate ally by the FWAA since 1946, is named after the late BCS National Championship Game in New Orleans. The John Outland, a lineman at Pennsylvania in the early game is a rematch of a 9-6 Alabama loss to LSU in over- 20th century. The Outland Trophy is the third oldest time in Tuscaloosa, Ala., earlier this season. award in major college football behind the Heisman Tro- "When we lost to them before, we thought it phy and Maxwell Award. (Alabama's national championship hopes) were over," The official 2011 Outland Trophy presentation will be Jones said. "In the back of our minds, we were hoping to Jan. 12, 2012, in Omaha, Neb., at a banquet sponsored get another shot, so we're really excited about this next by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee. At the same shot. It's a great feeling to get another chance. We feel event, former All-America Minnesota defensive lineman like we deserve to be there."

President’s column (continued)

(Continued from page 2) the Fiesta Bowl and the Robinson family. should contact John Sudsbury at [email protected]. Awards: The FWAA has headlined many awards in His cell phone number is (504) 427-7076. recent weeks. Most notably is the organization's All- FWAA events: Several FWAA events are scheduled America team, as well as the Outland Trophy (won by during BCS national title game week. Members are en- Alabama's Barrett Jones), Nagurski Award (won by Bos- couraged to attend the FWAA breakfast in the media ton College's Luke Kuechly) and Courage Award (won hotel from 9 to 11 a.m. on Jan. 9, the morning of the by Michigan State’s Arthur Ray Jr.). The Charlotte game. This year's breakfast will feature a new twist — a Touchdown Club once again put on an impressive ban- roundtable discussion featuring several media topics of quet to announce the Nagurski winner and the same is interest. As usual, the FWAA writing awards will be pre- expected once again in Omaha for the Outland Award. sented and Lenn Robbins of the New York Post will take Thanks: I'd like to take this opportunity to thank every- over as the organization's president for the following one for their help and hard work during the past year. year. Special thanks go to FWAA executive director Steve On Sun., Jan. 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., a reception is Richardson, past president Ron Higgins and Ted Gangi scheduled at Cochon, near the media hotel, for Oklaho- for all his work on behalf of the FWAA. It has been a ma State head coach Mike Gundy, this year's winner of learning experience serving as your president, but more the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award. Gundy importantly it has been an honor and privilege. Thanks to will be attend the event and be honored by the FWAA, all for the opportunity, for your patience and your help.